The Farm as Lab: IT Innovation in Computational Agriculture
Investigating Investigational Agricultural Practices and Professional Development
Brief description of study.
Since 2016, we have conducted preliminary studies of over a dozen self-described experimental farms in the United States and Asia. Despite their different locations, purposes, and scales, they all shared a single feature: all of the farms we engaged with were founded and operated by former professionals from non-agricultural disciplines, who frame their farming as a kind of research inquiry shaped by those disciplines, and who work with disadvantaged individuals not just as laborers but also in ways intended to support professional development. The goal of this research is to investigate these practices, analyze them, and develop ways to support and disseminate them.
Eligibility of study
You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria:
- Conditions: Healthy
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Age: 18 years - 100 years
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Gender: All
Inclusion Criteria:
Subjects must be part of the agricultural IT innovation, based on their profession (e.g., farmer, farm advocate), participation in a relevant organization (e.g., member of a farm bureau), or participation in a community (e.g., as a citizen scientist or activist).
Exclusion Criteria:
None, if inclusion criteria is met.
This study investigates innovative agricultural practices carried out by experimental farms in the United States and Asia. These farms are unique because they are run by individuals who have transitioned from non-agricultural professions. They view farming as a research activity and focus on working with disadvantaged individuals to support their professional growth.
Participants in the study will engage in various farming activities and collaborate with researchers to analyze and develop these innovative practices. This study aims to explore how these practices can be supported and shared with a wider audience.
- Who can participate: Individuals involved in agricultural IT innovation, such as farmers, farm advocates, or members of relevant organizations like farm bureaus, can participate. Those involved in community activities as citizen scientists or activists are also eligible.
- Study details: Participants will be involved in farming activities and collaborate with researchers to explore and develop investigational practices. The study focuses on the professional development of disadvantaged individuals through these activities.